Gelephu Tshachu is a hot spring along the river stream in the warm southern plains of Gelephu under Shershong Gewog of Sarpang Dzongkhag at an altitude of 332 meters.
Known for its miraculous healing power and properties, Gelephu Tshachu was inaugurated by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1962.
The most popular hot springs in Bhutan are the Gelephu hot spring in Sarpang, the Chubu hot spring and Koma hot Spring in Punakha, the Duenmang hot spring in Zhemgang, the Khambalung Ney hot spring in Lhuntse, and the Gasa hot spring in Gasa.
Some people go to Tshachu for health reasons, others for recreational purposes. A dip in the hot, sparkling waters of Gelephu Tshachu will soon become part of the health and wellness sector of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Also Read: Hot Springs in Bhutan: Bhutanese Beliefs and Benefits
How to Reach Gelephu Tshachu
Gelephu Tshachu is the only hot spring that does not require a hike, amongst all the Tshachu in Bhutan. It is located just below the road around 15 kilometers uphill from Gelephu Town towards Trongsa and takes about 45 minutes.
The Origin of Gelephu Tshachu
Bhutan is known for its natural hot springs. Tshachus are found throughout Bhutan and play a significant role in Bhutanese wellness because of their healing qualities and spiritual significance. Though there is no written history about the origin of Gelephu Tshachu, the origin of hot springs in Bhutan is generally linked with the visit of Guru Rinpoche in 746 AD. Tshachus in Bhutan are also believed to be blessed by the Bodhisattvas.
Also Read: Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan: His Visits to Bhutan and Sacred Sites
Description of Gelephu Hotspring
The Gelephu Tshachu consists of seven pools that look like wells for visitors to experience a hot and healing bath. All pools are confined under a single roof. The healing properties of all the pools are the same and are taken care of by Gelephu Dungkhag.
While Pool 1, with a temperature of 34 °C, is categorized as a tepid spring, Pool 2 with a temperature of 36.4 °C, and Pool 3 with a temperature of 38.1 °C, is a warm spring. Pool 4, which is normal cool water, is categorized as a cold spring. Other pools are not studied.
The visitors have to take turns to soak in the hot spring, with separate timing of one and a half hours each, for both men and women to ensure that everyone gets to soak in the hot spring.
A rejuvenating bath in these magical waters will result in a healthy body, strong mind and spirit, and beautiful and glowing skin.
There is also a Buddhist monastery here that the locals believe to be quite sacred. Serzhong Lhakhang, or Dongag Kuenzang Choeling Gonpa, is 8 km from the hot spring.
Also Read: Description of Chubu Tshachu
Menchu
Besides the hot spring, you can also try the ancient Bhutanese therapy known as Menchu, or the Hot Stone Bath. In this method, water is heated by inundating red-hot stones in the bath.
It is a popular curative method used throughout the country. Menchu is known to combine the minerals of the stones with warm water and provide relief from joint pains, hypertension, stomach problems, and arthritis.
Therapeutic Values or Ethnopharmacological Benefits of Gelephu Tshachu
Gelephu Tshachu is believed to be beneficial for curing trauma, orthopedic disorders, anal fistula, dermatitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, wounds, and ulcers. The Tshachu is also valuable for people suffering from hypertension, tumors, conjunctivitis, dropsy, and chronic fever.
All the Ponds of Gelephu Tshachu are said to heal serous fluid that results from cold, swelling or edema, gout, rheumatism, kidney disorders, and phlegm disorders. But Pond 4 is rarely used, as it is cold.
The hot spring is also known to cure arthritis and stomach pain. People say that the hot spring relieves their body aches, backaches, and joint pains. People have claimed that soaking in hot springs has healed their sinuses and also helped retain glowing skin. All you have to do is soak in the water for a long time.
Also Read: Therapeutic Values or Ethnopharmacological Benefits of Duenmang Tshachu
Best Time to Visit Gelephu Tshachu
Most of the locals visit Gelephu Tshachu at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Gelephu Tshachu is during the winter season from November to February. But the Tshachu gets crowded and long queues are seen as the hot spring wells are smaller.
Accommodation at Gelephu Tshachu
People from all over the country come to soak in the Tshachu. Three guest houses can house about 40 people in Gelephu Tshachu. Those who get to the hot spring early get it. Most of them bring their own rations stocks and bedding to stay for about a week. You can set up your own tent too.
